I think there are 2 points that the Sony rep (just using Sony as an example due to previous comments, but could apply to other brands as well) or others are trying to make.
- First off, the Sony manufacturing takes place at a Sony facility using as many Sony components as possible, and by Sony employees.
- The Sony (or Panasonic, etc.) camera uses a Sony (or Panasonic) DSP, imager, etc.
Sine Axis does not fully manufacturer or possibly even assemble the product, it means that the contract manufacturer may not be an expert in cameras or whatever product, leading to a learning curve.
They will source components, and choose a DSP to meet their needs, but they don't have as much capability to fine tune the functions in the DSP, etc. Yes they write their firmware and add value-add functions, but there could be a limit.
Also the suppliers they use may recognize them as a competitor and limit what is available to them. For example, if they were to purchase lenses or camera modules, zoom modules, or DSP, etc., from another manufacturer, they could give them an older generation, or one with lesser specs., to keep their own products more competitive.
One example would be to have an imager with 140dB WDR, but offer it to OEM or component sales as 130dB (software imposed limit)....